Woodwalled

Woodwalled is an adjective used to describe buildings or spaces whose walls are predominantly made of wood or wood-based materials rather than masonry. The term is not a formal architectural category but is commonly used in vernacular descriptions to convey the visible materiality of the enclosure.

Common implementations include log walls (whole logs), timber-frame construction with a wooden infill, solid wooden panels, and exterior cladding such as clapboard, shingles, or timber planks. Interiors may feature wooden stud walls with paneling or plaster infill. The choice of wood type, finishing, and joinery influences both aesthetics and performance, as well as how the wall system handles moisture and movement.

Historically, woodwalled construction has been widespread in forested regions where timber was plentiful, including traditional North American log houses, European timber-framed houses, and various Asian wooden structures. Benefits include relatively quick assembly, good thermal mass, and visual warmth. Drawbacks include susceptibility to moisture damage, rot, and fire, which are mitigated by proper treatment, sealing, drainage, and protective finishes, as well as modern fire-resistant designs.

In contemporary building practice, woodwalled systems often involve engineered wood products and mass timber, such as cross-laminated timber, to improve strength and fire performance. Sustainable forestry, proper detailing, and maintenance are important considerations. While wood walls remain favored for appearance and sustainability, many building codes require fire resistance ratings and weatherproofing for exterior wood walls.